Fire up the grill—this Traeger Grilled Garlic Bread is a simple, crowd-pleasing side that elevates any pasta night or backyard meal. The top becomes perfectly crisp while the interior stays soft and fresh, delivering all the best parts of garlic bread without the sogginess or over-crisp edges. It’s quick to make, won’t heat up your kitchen, and finishes in about 20 minutes from start to table.
Traeger Garlic Bread Recipe
I’m a little obsessed with pasta, and the perfect piece of garlic bread can make a simple bowl feel like a celebration. Garlic bread can go wrong when it’s either too crunchy or too soggy. The trick in this recipe is grilling the bread in a way that ensures the cut surface browns and bubbles while the crust stays tender. It’s a small technique that makes a big difference.
Grilling the bread upside down—placing the buttered cut side down on the baking sheet—ensures the cheese and garlic butter get direct heat and caramelize nicely. Covering the bread briefly while it cooks helps prevent the tops from becoming overly crisp before the cheese melts.
Browse more Traeger recipes and grilling ideas in my recipe collection.
Recipe Shopping List
Everything you need is easy to find. For exact amounts, see the ingredient list in the recipe card below.
- French bread (a fresh loaf)
- Salted butter
- Garlic paste or fresh garlic
- Fresh parsley
- Salt
- Grated and shredded Parmesan cheese
This garlic bread pairs perfectly with classic pasta dishes and hearty soups.
How To Make This Recipe
Below is a concise overview of the process. For best results, follow the full recipe card in the next section when you cook.
- Preheat: Heat your Traeger or pellet grill (or other grill) to 425°F for a hot, fast finish.
- Prep: Combine butter, garlic paste (or minced fresh garlic), parsley, salt, and parmesan. Slice the French bread in half lengthwise and spread the garlic butter over both cut sides.
- Arrange: Line a baking sheet with non-stick foil or parchment. Place the bread butter-side down on the sheet.
- Grill: Slide the sheet into the grill and cover the bread with another baking sheet to control crisping. Cook for 10–12 minutes, until cheese is melted and lightly browned.
- Serve: Remove from the grill, flip the loaf over, slice, and serve warm.
Try this with spaghetti, meat sauce, or a creamy alfredo for a classic combination.
Recipe FAQ
Can this be made on a different type of grill?
Yes. You can make this on a gas or charcoal grill, or even on a gas griddle. Cook over indirect heat and use non-stick foil if you’re concerned about sticking.
Can this be made ahead of time?
You can prepare the garlic butter and assemble the bread a few hours ahead, but I recommend baking within a day for the best texture. Fresh French bread is best enjoyed soon after baking.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a day or two. Reheat gently in an air fryer, a low oven, or back on the grill wrapped in foil to avoid over-crisping.
Serve with soups, grilled seafood, or roasted vegetables for a satisfying meal.
Serve this with…
- Smoked Italian wedding soup or any comforting broth-based soup
- Shrimp Alfredo, creamy pasta dishes, or meat-based sauces
- Grilled fish or roasted vegetables for a lighter meal
More Recipes With Garlic
- Traeger roasted garlic mashed potatoes
- Garlic bread sticks or twisty garlic loaves
- Smoked garlic or garlic confit for versatile flavor additions
- Garlic herb compound butter for steaks, potatoes, and pasta
- Grilled garlic goat cheese or baked garlic appetizers
Pin For Later
Traeger Garlic Bread
This crispy-topped garlic bread is simple to make and cooked right on the grill for great flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread
- ¾ cup salted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons garlic paste (or about 2–3 cloves fresh garlic, minced)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your Traeger or grill to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with non-stick foil or parchment.
- In a bowl, mix the butter, garlic paste (or minced garlic), parsley, salt, and grated Parmesan until well combined.
- Cut the French bread in half lengthwise and spread the garlic butter evenly over both cut sides.
- Place the bread face down on the lined baking sheet. Optionally cover with another baking sheet to prevent excessive browning.
- Place the sheet in the grill and cook for 10–12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the top starts to brown.
- Remove from the grill, flip the bread over, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
* Fresh garlic can be used instead of garlic paste. Mince the garlic very finely or mash it slightly for the best texture and distribution in the butter.
Nutrition Information
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amounts per serving (estimate):
- Calories: 357
- Total Fat: 22g (Saturated Fat: 12g; Trans Fat: 1g; Unsaturated Fat: 8g)
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 850mg
- Carbohydrates: 32g (Fiber: 1g; Sugar: 3g)
- Protein: 9g
Nutrition data provided here is only an estimate.